BSY discusses options with loyalist ministers, legislators

Bangalore, Jul 28: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, who has asked by the BJP leadership to step down in the wake of Lokayukta report on illegal mining, held consultations with his loyalist ministers and legislators.

Shortly after his arrival from Delhi where he was told by the top brass to make way for another leader, Yeddyurappa began consultations with more than a dozen ministers, including C M Udasi, Murugesh Nirani, Umesh Katti and Basavaraj Bommai.

Some ministers and legislators had gathered at the Race Course residence of Yeddyurappa, who is not known to give up without a fight, and more joined after his arrival from Delhi.

Earlier today, when he landed from New Delhi, Yeddyurappa, who completed three years in office in May, appeared downcast and said he would go back to the national capital on July 31.

Yeddyuappa's indictment pertained to violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Lokayukta also submitted a copy of his report to Governor H R Bhardwaj recommending him to initiate "further steps".

Yeddyurappa has also ruled out Jagdish Shettar, another Lingayat leader and Rural Development and Panchayat minister in his cabinet, as he may become another power centre in the community.

The Chief Minister's close associate Shoba Karandlaje is also not in the race as he feels once she takes over the post, he would never be able to make a comeback.

"Karandlaje is a popular Vokkaliga leader who is also considered the most competent minister in the cabinet. She is close to the RSS too. Yeddyurappa had said in a recent meeting with his supporters that he does not want to become another Uma Bharti," a party leader close to the chief minister said.

After being asked to step down from the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister's chair, Bharti appointed her close associate Babulal Gaur to the post only to find later that she was out of the reckoning for good.

BJP's Karnataka unit president K S Eshwarappa, a prominent leader from the Kuruba community, and R Ashok, Home Minister in Yeddyurappa cabinet and a Vokkaliga leader, are also among the front runners for the Chief Minister's post.

PTI